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Countdown Begins For Santa Monica's Annual Buy Local Expo On September 21

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The annual Buy Local Expo returns to the Third Street Promenade on Thursday, Sept. 21.

Posted Sep. 12, 2013, 8:27 am

Mirror Staff

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, the City of Santa Monica, and Downtown Santa Monica in partnership with the Santa Monica Education Foundation present the annual Buy Local Expo on the Third Street Promenade, Saturday, Sept. 21 from 12-5 pm.

This year the festival celebrates five ways to Buy Local:

• Live and Stay Local offers a free gift bag to the first 200 people who check-in at the Buy Local booth and show their resident ID. Free bike valet!

• Shop Local showcases the services and products of Santa Monica businesses to the 6,000 locals and visitors on the Promenade.

• Play Local presents free dance and fitness classes on three stages, as well as live music and performances from Santa Monica students.

• Eat Local Stage features the City of Santa Monica’s commitment to sustainable food, with three demonstrations including how to buy produce on a budget from the SM Farmers Market to prepare delicious meals for the whole family. Local favorite eateries, The Lobster and Seasons 52 will also have cooking demos on stage.

Last year, purchases from Santa Monica businesses raised over $47 million for the community, helping to fund police, fire, parks, and the schools.

There are other benefits to people shopping closer to home and work.

It reduces the city's carbon footprint and builds a strong community by encouraging people to appreciate their local, neighborhood-serving businesses and getting to know their neighbors.

Local retailers are also more likely to carry regionally produced wares, further contributing financial resources to our economy and supporting our local artists and craftspeople.

In addition to events on the Promenade, each business district has Buy Local activities planned.

Sidewalk sales from participating businesses on Montana Avenue, Main Street, and Pico will occur during Buy Local Week. “Love your Local” promotions will also take place at your favorite restaurants and stores.